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6:14 pm
December 21, 2010
Offline
Hi,
Great website. Really appreciated reading the badminton reviews and discussion forums. I'm a newby on here so apologies if this question has been raised before.
I have a slight dilemma on my hands. I am looking to purchase a new racket but am not sure what racket would suit my play? With so many rackets and configurations i find it perplexing to distinguish the good from the bad. I would classify myself as an intermediate, i am more of a technique player i try and play opponents around the court and do appreciate the touch drop shots especially from the back of the court. I do tend to control my shots well however i must admit i do find it difficult generating power i.e. in smashes as i do not have as much power as other player due to a weak forearm as well as clear shots with the backhand.
My preferance would be to have a racket that can give me the extra power for smashes and clear but also does not hinder my control play. I'm naturally a quick reactor, have quick hands and my reflexs are good and i wouldnt want to jeapordise this. I currently use a yonex racket about 10 yrs old. I guess what i'm seeking is a racket recommendation, string tension and flex for my type of player? The rackets i have read up on are Arc 5 and 9, AT 600 and 900 T. Looking to spend £70-£80, can spend more depending on suggestions?
Appreciate your feedback on this, thanks in advance!
Rob
9:55 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
Rob
Many thanks for joining the forum. I hope you continue to ask questions and contribute as often as you can.
Based on your criteria all I can suggest is that you test as many racquets as you can to narrow down the field. But, I'll give you as much information as I can to help you narrow down the choice. Just keep an open mind that my suggestions may not turn out to be your ideal.
As you prefer your reflexes and touch to remain unaltered, head heavy racquets are potentially put of the question. Generally, that would rule out Yonex Armortec series, although I would still keep an eye on AT900T.
Your weaker smash would suggest staying clear of head light racquets because, again, generally they do not aid in delivering power unless there is natural power and good technique to work with.
This leaves Arcsaber series. Arc 9 is probably too light and falls into the same trap as Nano range. There's also a new Arc 9FL which has superceded Arc 9. I haven't tested this to be able to comment.
To gain more power, you may need to consider flexible or medium flex shaft. Arc 5 or Arc 7 may therefore fit the bill.
There is another option, but there are budget issues here. Voltric 70 meets a lot more criteria except budget.
The difficulty you have is that none of the Arc range will fall into your budget, or AT600 or 900T.
If you move away from Yonex, Victor BS09 could be a contender. It's used by Lee Yong Dae, current Olympic Mixed champion. I'd also suggest BS169. Whilst it's badged a ladies racquet, please don't be fooled by this – it's a brilliant racquet.
For string, BG65Ti or Bg80 should deliver more than enough power for you. Sadly, you'll need to test different tensions to find your optimum, however, choose your racquet first.
Any questions, feel free to email me personally or respond on the forum.
Paul
10:27 pm
November 27, 2010
Offline Welcome Rob
Agree with what Paul has said. I'm looking for a racket just like you are, but something more head heavy possibly. Flexible or medium stiff shaft should definitely help with power as you'd need a fast arm speed to get results from stiff shaft. I'd definitely look at Victor or Yonex. I've had a quick go with some Arcsaber rackets, but personally dislike the feel the of them – balance and timing just feels wrong to me, but I'm probably just not good enough for it! Search for some reviews of the Arc 5 and 7 and try a demo if you can.
The Voltric looks great, but the price is around £130 cheapest that I've seen, which is HEFTY! I couldn't justify it myself – I'd probably have a heart attack if it broke or something. I'd look at the Braveswords (or even SIW & TIW) from Victor – they get great reviews, but you'd need to try them yourself really like Paul said. Keep us updated in your search and I'm sure we'll all help how we can.
Paul – have you tried the BS 09 by any chance? I know you haven't had chance to fully review it yet, but wondered if you'd had any time with it at all?
7:25 am
December 21, 2010
Offline Thanks Paul and Jin.
Appreciate your feedback. Fingers crossed i'll be trying a few of the above mentioned rackets out in the coming months, i'll keep you informed.
3:29 am
November 27, 2010
Offline Reason,
Try the AT600 if you can – it feels like and quick in the hand, but you can feel a little bit of weight in the head which feels just right – like it packs a little punch to your swing. Down to £65 so bang on your budget with money for a few grips/some strings
Anyway, hope you've had luck in your search so far!
Jin
4:31 pm
January 9, 2011
Offline Seems like a completed trail but… try as many as you can get your hands on.
I had a demo/coaching session with Paul a fortnight ago and tried a lot of Yonex and 2 Victors and ended up purchasing the cheapest racket of all those I tried (Victor Strut XT- 40 – £70)with the budget being I was going to buy whatever I felt was best. The 2 I ended up with last were the Victors despite playing Yonex for a long time. (BS 9 was the other one – Also Excellent but not quite as powerful as the Strut)
I felt I was gaining a little speed in defence with this racket and the other Victor compare to my own Yonex nano and Yonex rackets I was testing… and the power generated was a lot more than my own racket. the only other racket to get close on the Power was the Armotec 900P which I really liked until it turned to defence.
Also I had timing issues at first with the one I purchased and it was nearly put down straight away. I'm 2 weeks in and 2 matches down and the racket is great I'll need to get another as a backup soon.
Had I not arranged the demo night I would have probably ended up with an Armotec 900P which would have been ok until I went into defence.
This maybe doesn't help much other than to backup what Paul says try and get hold of some demo's.
Colin
6:03 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Colin
We had some fun testing racquets. It's an experience I really enjoy, watching players faces change until suddenly there is a look of recognition that they've found the right racquet.
Yes Colin, in your demo session it was the last racquet you chose that turned out to be the right one. From the initial first few shots you hit stronger smashes and consistently better shots. Then, when we did the defensive test (most players don't do this) it proved that this was the right racquet for you. As you said, the racquet you initially favoured did not deliver for you in defence.
Overall, I'm delighted that you've found a racquet you really like. And, it cost a lot less than some of the others, nearly half the price. Which proves another point that, putting ego aside, sometimes the racquet for you is not top of the range. That doesn't mean it's a lesser model, just that the combination of characteristics is ideal for you at that time.
Colin you're right. Players do need to test as many racquets as they can. Sometimes, you'll be surprised what actually suits your game.
Paul
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